United We Row
Grants
The vision of this grant is to make rowing more accessible, competitive, and diverse, and we invite USRowing member organizations to apply. This grant program encourages creative projects and initiatives that align with increasing diversity and opening boathouse doors to athletes traditionally underrepresented in our sport. USRowing will fund both organizations with a proven diversity, equity, and inclusion track record and organizations with the drive and detailed plan to launch inclusion programs.
Important Dates:
- The 2025 Grant Application is now OPEN! Click HERE to fill out Application Stage 1, which is open to all eligible rowing organizations.
- Application Stage 1 Deadline: Saturday, April 19, 3AM ET
- Application Stage 2: Invitation-only based on the results from Stage 1.
- Grants Town Hall: HERE is a recording of the 2025 Town Hall that covers the details of the grant application, process, and timeline.
Selection Process & Criteria
The 2025 application is two stages. Stage 1 is open to all applicants. Stage 2 will be invitation-only based on the results from Stage 1 selection.
A diverse selection committee made up of staff and volunteers will review the United We Row Grant Program Applications. Organizations and their initiatives will be evaluated based on the impact and sustainability of the program and the alignment with USRowing’s core pillars: experience, inclusion, and competition.
Financial & Community Support
Selected organizations receive grants aimed at impacting communities through rowing. The application process involves submitting a detailed proposal, including a budget and narrative, plans to address challenges to participation, basic information on their organization, leadership and staff, sustainability plan, and, most importantly, the program's impact. USRowing seeks information on that impact and metrics, including athlete demographics, retention rates, and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes.
Rowing organizations are welcome to propose both new and existing projects that align with the goal of making rowing more diverse and inclusive. The grants will support each organization with up to $10,000 and include ongoing support via the USRowing staff and fellow grantee cohort.
For an overview of the program, please listen to our 2024 United We Row Grants Town Hall here.
The Youth Power 20 Fund
The Youth Power 20 Fund is a permanent restricted endowment seeded in 2025. The Fund supports emerging rowing organizations that serve middle school and high school athletes from underserved communities.
Each year, USRowing will select grantees to be the beneficiaries of The Youth Power 20 Fund. Any organizations that are interested in applying should submit applications through the United We Row Grant Application.
To learn more about the endowment or to contribute, please visit this page of our website. Thank you to the supporters who make this Fund and the United We Row grants possible.
Eligibility
- Current USRowing organizational member compliant with USRowing policies.
- 501c3 Organization
- Agree to submit two grantee reports, attend Zoom meetings, submit photos and testimonials, and participate in up to two USRowing leadership meetings.
- Complete a post-grant survey.
FAQs
Who makes up the selection committee for the United We Row Impact Program?
The selection committee comprises USRowing staff focused on United We Row and volunteers from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the Board of Directors, and the USRowing Foundation who are committed to promoting access and inclusion within the rowing community.
How will applications be evaluated?
Applications will be evaluated using a rubric based on key criteria, including alignment with USRowing’s Organizational Objectives, Accessibility and Impact, Sustainability and Growth, Representation, and Leadership.
What is the range of grant amounts available?
Grants awarded through the United We Row Impact Program will go up to $10,000, providing financial support to rowing programs committed to fostering diversity and inclusion.
What types of programs are eligible to apply for the grant?
Eligible programs must hold 501c3 non-profit status, be in good standing with USRowing’s policies, and demonstrate a clear commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sport of rowing. Whether through new initiatives or building upon existing efforts, applicants should show their dedication and results of a more inclusive rowing community.
How can my rowing program apply for the United We Row Impact Program grant?
The application period will open in early April and will close in Early May. The application will be shared via social media, our newsletter, and the USRowing website.
When will the winners of the grants be announced?
Following the application and interview process, successful grant recipients will be announced by the selection committee at the beginning of June.
Is there ongoing support for grant recipients?
Yes, grant recipients will participate in quarterly grantee cohort gatherings via Zoom and engage with USRowing to share progress, exchange ideas, and receive support as they implement and grow their diversity and inclusion initiatives.
What will the grants support?
USRowing is open to supporting organizations in creative ways to help make their programs more inclusive and to bring the many benefits of rowing to all. We expect to support initiatives such as transportation, swim lessons, adaptive program support, scholarships, coaches of color, and equipment.
Can organizations reapply if they are not selected in a given year?
Yes, organizations are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years if their proposals are not selected initially.
Why do I have to submit my Safe Sport Policy? What if I don’t have one?
Safe Sport Policies are required of all USRowing member organizations – and, on top of being a compliance issue, we want to partner with organizations that take the safety of athletes and their community seriously. We are interested not only in your policy, but how you put it into practice. Please review the template and adapt it for your organization here.
2024 United We Row Grantees
Atlanta Rowing Club
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta Rowing Club is committed to welcoming athletes from all backgrounds and abilities. With this grant, they will expand programming to better support rowers with disabilities and provide travel assistance for Para rowers to compete in regattas.
Chicago Training Center
Chicago, Illinois
Focused on youth development, Chicago Training Center leverages rowing to help Chicago youth realize their athletic and academic potential. The grant will fund coaching, equipment, transportation, and swimming lessons to support this mission.
Green Lake Crew
Seattle, Washington
Green Lake Crew is committed to fostering an inclusive rowing community in the Seattle community. The grant will support their STEM to Stern program, which lowers costs and provides rowing experiences for young athletes in the area.
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) Rowing Club
New Orleans, Louisiana
The first-ever co-ed rowing program at a Historically Black University, XULA Rowing Club will use the grant to cover regatta costs, travel for coaches, and recruitment events to help the program grow.
Oakland Strokes Rowing Club
Oakland, California
Providing rowing opportunities to youth from all backgrounds, Oakland Strokes Rowing Club will use this grant to fund a pilot program in partnership with the East Bay Regional Park District, allowing more youth to try rowing for the first time.
Recovery on Water
Chicago, Illinois
Recovery on Water supports breast cancer survivors through rowing. With this grant, the organization will expand its outreach and increase accessibility to its novice program, focusing on engaging a more diverse population of survivors.
Rockland Rowing Association
Rockland, New York
Rockland Rowing Association uses rowing to improve lives. This grant will help expand program capacity by funding new equipment and enabling the hiring and training of two adaptive rowing coaches.
San Miguel Academy Rowing
Newburgh, New York
Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, San Miguel Academy ensures that 100% of its students row. The grant will support scholarships, transportation, and other administrative costs of running their rowing program.
Waco Rowing Center
Waco, Texas
Waco Rowing Center provides opportunities for local youth and aims to bridge communities through rowing. The grant will help fund a van to transport youth athletes, making the sport more accessible by breaking down transportation barriers.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
United We Row
Education
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